Post by bradberad12 on Apr 16, 2013 11:01:52 GMT -8

Hey Folks,

It's been awhile since I've posted on here, however I saw this the other day and felt it was good for discussion on this board.

The Globe and Mail, arguably Canada's most popular newspaper, recently had an article about Paul Lawton, an industry veteran who's got serious beef with the Canadian Music Industry. His argument mostly concerns that of the grant-bestowing organization called FACTOR, a company responsible for appropriately distributing public funding to Canadian artists that apply for said funding.

To my understanding, Paul's beef is that FACTOR is seriously misallocating funds, and overcompensating bands with industry ties to the detriment of other artists (i.e. the rich get richer). This results a whole lot of milquetoast, indie-centric music, as ambitious Canadian upstarts listen to the type of music heavily promoted through FACTOR and imitate it, and thus the cycle continues. This is better explained by Paul himself in the links below:

He has received a lot of critique for his stance, including a rebuttle from former Sasquatch invitee Dan Mangan, and I think for Canadian members on this board, it's a good discussion topic. What do you think of how the funding is doled out? I'm particularly astonished by the sheer amount of money there is available (there is an Excel file Paul has created in his tumblr feed to compile FACTOR's contributions). I also think it's hilarious that The Trews have gotten $620,000 in contributions. That a fucking shit load of money for a pretty crappy band.

Another interesting angle with this story is (I am speculating but the evidence is pretty telling) Paul used to be a member here on this board. Feel free to guess who it is!!! (it's certainly not me).

Post by bradberad12 on Apr 16, 2013 11:26:55 GMT -8

Hey Dude, good to hear from ya! Not much new, trying to keep up with new music, but really feel my interests on that front have waned a little bit. Although I do like the line up, looks like I'll be missing out on Sasquatch 2013. but I still have hope for 2014!

Post by Cbats on Apr 16, 2013 11:48:24 GMT -8

Thanks for posting this, I find this stuff incredibly interesting. I'm completely for using state funds to subsidize art in a country but even as an outsider it does seem to be the same 10 artists constantly being championed up there.

Post by bradberad12 on Apr 16, 2013 12:08:19 GMT -8

Thanks for posting this, I find this stuff incredibly interesting. I'm completely for using state funds to subsidize art in a country but even as an outsider it does seem to be the same 10 artists constantly being championed up there.

It is a pretty biased method. I mean Steven Page received $120,500. As if the former lead singer of the Barenaked ladies needs that money? What, for more Coke?